WestJet has eliminated about half of its workforce as it tries to preserve itself while the coronavirus continues ravaging the air transport industry, says CE Ed Sims. “Today, 6,900 WestJetters are receiving notices confirming early retirements, early outs and both voluntary and involuntary leaves,” Sims says. The airline had about 14,000 workers prior to the cuts. About 90% of those being made redundant accepted voluntary departures, for a period of no less than 3 months, and some permanently, he adds. “It is through these WestJetters’ sacrifices that we can preserve a core of people who will remain employed to prepare for the moment when the situation stabilises, and we can look to rise again,” Sims says. <br/>
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Ryanair has offered its fleet of aircraft to European govts, both for rescue flights of citizens left stranded abroad due to Covid-19 restrictions, and to move vital medicines, personal protective equipment and emergency food supplies. The airline, which is stopping most flights from Tuesday onwards, also said it does not expect regular passenger flights to resume until June at the earliest. The carrier said it was in talks with govts on how it can best assist them and will charge only for costs. It is currently working with authorities here to help bring back Irish citizens who are trapped in Spain. “As Europe’s borders become congested or closed, it’s vital Ryanair plays its part to keep vital medicines and food supplies moving. We’re continuing to work with EU govts on rescue flights,” CE Michael O’Leary said. <br/>
Virgin Australia will cut flying in its domestic network by 90% and temporarily stand down 8000 workers as it grapples with the coronavirus pandemic. The airline had already cut domestic flying by 50% and was set to cease all international routes from March 30. The new capacity cuts will take affect from midnight this Friday, with the grounding of 125 aircraft. Virgin's budget arm Tigerair will suspend all flying immediately. The company said 80% of its 10,000 employees would be stood down at least until the end of May. Like at Qantas, workers will be able to use leave entitlements but otherwise will not be paid. The airline would return to the skies as soon as was viable, Virgin CE Paul Scurrah said, however, how it operates "may look different when we get to the other side of this crisis". <br/>
Norwegian has obtained the first 10% of the funding that Norway’s govt is guaranteeing for it under a rescue plan for the national airline industry. March 19, Norway announced an NKr6b (US$542m) bailout for the sector, of which half would go to Norwegian. The state pledged to guarantee 90% of the total amount if financial institutions contributed the other 10%. Norwegian now says two Nordic banks have received credit-committee approval to contribute the 10% required to provide the first, NKr300m tranche in financing to the airline, which is working to unlock the NKr2.7b covered by 2 further tranches. Each tranche has a maximum maturity of 2 years. The company has found itself locked out of capital markets given the impact of coronavirus on the airline sector, limiting its options to secure financing. <br/>
Thai LCCs have announced temporary suspensions of international services. Thai AirAsia says its suspension of international flights began March 22 and will end April 25, and that the decision was taken “in accordance with travel restrictions being enforced by various govts and relevant health authorities”. Domestic flights will continue. Cirium schedules data shows that prior to the suspension, Thai AirAsia had around 26% of its total capacity in February dedicated to international services. Flights to China, as well as to neighbouring countries Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore, are the hardest hit by the suspension. Thai Lion Air, meanwhile, said March 20 that all flights would be suspended from March 25 to April 30. But the following day the airline said domestic services would resume from 15 April. <br/>